The Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced that Emily E. Emmons of Hilo was selected for the 2015 class of military and veteran caregivers chosen for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellows Program.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation announced that Emily E. Emmons of Hilo was selected for the 2015 class of military and veteran caregivers chosen for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellows Program.
The foundation’s fellowship is a national program comprised of military and veteran caregivers who have stepped forward to serve as advocates and spokespeople for the 5.5 million parents, spouses, children and other loved ones caring for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured warriors.
Emmons and other fellows across the country play lead roles in raising awareness in their home states and communities, and serve as advisers to the foundation.
Emily’s husband, John, an Army veteran, suffered for seven years from severe migraines, sinusitis and many other symptoms before being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury in 2014. Emily had been caring for her husband since 2007. The Emmons’ also have two daughters.
Emily feels compelled to help other families suffering the ripple effects war. Using her marketing, social media and networking skills from her previous career, Emily founded Ho’ola Veteran Service/Ho’ola Farms, which is dedicated to helping veterans, their caregivers and families reconnect with the earth, themselves and each other with adventure outings, equine therapy, garden therapy and agriculture training for the whole family.